As security code auditors, only cybersecurity professionals with a thorough background in the sector will be effective. Source code audits are frequently undertaken by independent outside consultants hired on a regular basis to assess an organization’s security condition. Organizations with large cybersecurity budgets are far more likely to hire a full-time security code auditor than those with a small security team.
Four Steps to Becoming a Security Code Auditor
- Security code for education Auditor positions necessitate a wide understanding of computer science, networks, systems, and everything related to information security. A college education should also be comprehensive in scope. It is recommended that you have a degree in computer science or a cybersecurity-related profession. Coursework should include as many different types of cybersecurity topics as possible. Consider adding the following to your college courses:
penetration testing cryptography cybersecurity law computer forensics networking programming in several languages database security software engineering
Of course, like with any advanced cybersecurity employment, putting in the time and money to earn a master’s degree can pay off handsomely. 2. Career path in the early stages Although a position as a security code auditor is not an entry-level position, the right jobs to break into the cybersecurity profession will provide a solid basis for a career. The following are some good entry-level infosec jobs that can lead to a career as a security code auditor:
Security administrator Network administrator Digital forensics Vulnerability assessor Penetration tester
- Certifications for professionals Employers are constantly on the lookout for proof that a candidate has learned all of the relevant parts of the position they are applying for. Professional certificates are arguably the greatest approach to achieve this confirmation in cybersecurity. Several cybersecurity organisations and continuing education venues provide a variety of certificates in the most important information security fields. The following are some of the certifications that would-be or current security code auditors should seek:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA), also from EC-Council PenTest+ from CompTIA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Look for other applicable credentials given by cybersecurity education organisations such as the ones listed below:
ISFCE (International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners) IACIS (The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists) CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) (ISC)2 (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium)
- You should never stop learning. Computer technology and cybersecurity strategies are constantly changing, at times at dizzying speed. Maintaining an advantage and having a long and successful career requires being current on everything that happens in all facets of security code audits. Join professional trade associations, look for appropriate continuing education opportunities, network with other code auditors, and go to industry seminars. Consider joining one or more of the following trade associations:
The Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners®
What is a Security Code Auditor?
All computer systems are controlled by code. If something goes wrong with the brain, the entire system becomes subject to difficulties, errors, and, more importantly, intrusion from outside sources looking to cause mayhem, disrupt operations, or steal sensitive data. Computer system brain surgeons are security code auditors. They investigate, diagnose, and develop treatment methods for any potentially dangerous code flaws. Source code auditors must be conversant with and informed about all components of hardware, software, and networks that make up a full system in order to evaluate the security of computer system code. Security code auditors are one of the most technically knowledgeable members of any cybersecurity team due to the wide range of abilities and expertise required. Because the work might be intimidating even for the most seasoned security auditors, analytical tools to help them succeed have been developed. Security code auditors can use a variety of open-source and commercial source code analysis tools to find code vulnerabilities in hardware and software. These applications, often known as Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools, can be quite helpful. Nonetheless, security code auditors must be able to go through code line by line to find, diagnose, and plan for the resolution of any issues.
Security Code Auditor Skills and Experience
A wide range of knowledge and abilities are required to comprehensively audit any organization’s information security condition. The source code auditor’s toolkit must include knowledge of penetration testing techniques, modern encryption protocols, network and system security processes, software security vulnerabilities, and more. As a result, security code auditor job postings frequently specify a long list of essential abilities and expertise. Here’s a rundown of some of the most prevalent specifications.
Programming languages such as C+, C++, Python, Ruby, Java, Perl, and.NET are all useful. Current knowledge of network and system design, as well as security processes and flaws Current knowledge of operating system and application software security strategies and flaws Understanding of the Top Ten Vulnerabilities as defined by OWASP Source code analysis tools such as Bandit, Brakeman,.NET Security Guard, SonarQube, Application Inspector, Cast AIP, and others should be familiar. Penetration testing experience A working knowledge of current encryption protocols and techniques Database security experience is required.
Soft skills often required by employers include the following:
Detail-oriented Highly analytical Self-motivated Strong written and oral communication skills
What do Security Code Auditors do?
Any organization’s information technology is a multi-faceted enterprise that includes hardware systems, communications networks, and software applications, as well as all of the protocols, permissions, procedures, and policies that govern how IT systems are used. Security code auditors are in charge of ensuring that all components of the IT systems they supervise are secure. Planning, implementing, and analysing the findings of rigorous audits of every nook and corner are all required to fulfil this task. This necessitates a thorough understanding of the programming languages used to create the programmes that run the systems, as well as any security processes in place within the company and applicable legislation. It also entails being aware of current hacking techniques and methods, as well as having a current grasp of the most regularly exploited system flaws. In other words, security code auditors must be well-versed in every area of the IT systems used by the company that pays their compensation. To consistently assess the effectiveness of all security solutions in place, source code auditors must plan and execute the most effective and thorough audits possible. It’s essentially a preventative method for addressing vulnerabilities before they’re exploited by hackers. Security code auditors must, nevertheless, execute or assist in the performance of forensic analyses of system attacks, whether successful or unsuccessful. The answers discovered as a result of such attacks must then be reported on and used to improve system security measures even more. The job of a security code auditor is never done in a world where technologies and hacking techniques are always changing and advancing.
Security Code Auditor Job Description
The following are some of the most common security code auditor tasks:
Plan, carry out, and conduct audits of an organization’s information security systems. Conduct line-by-line manual reviews of all applicable code. Use penetration testing techniques to identify cybersecurity flaws. When feasible, use SAST tools to examine code. All cybersecurity vulnerabilities should be identified, analysed, and fixes recommended. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all system rights and accessibility. All concerned departments should be informed of the audit’s findings and suggestions.
Outlook for Security Code Auditors
Cybersecurity specialists in general are in high demand, and in many cases, specific job titles are in desperate need of qualified applicants. According to the InfoSec Institute, there is a nearly three million cybersecurity expert shortfall worldwide, with half a million in North America alone. Because of the various titles used to define the function, it’s impossible to pinpoint the need for security code auditors, but it’s safe to say it’s increasing quickly and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
How Much do Security Code Auditors Make?
Because of the variety of titles, many organisations’ proclivity to use independent consultants, and the very elite nature of the position, precise compensation information is difficult to come by. According to Payscale.com, the average yearly wage for IT auditors is around $66,000, with pay normally rising progressively as experience is gained.
